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September 1994

The ILO and tripartism: some reflections

William R. Simpson

Seventy-five years of experience has shown that mechanisms for regulating terms and conditions of work and settling labor disputes are more effective if they are determined jointly by the parties involved, within a legal framework provided by the state. This article attempts to put issues surrounding tripartism?the process by which workers, employers, and governments contribute to the setting of workplace standards and the protection of workers' rights worldwide?into perspective by reviewing the history of the system and its achievements, and examining its future potential as a worldwide force for workers' rights.

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